BOB McDOWELL

FROM THE PRESIDENT

Happy Fall to You All!

Karen and I hope you all had a wonderful summer in 2026 and could connect, travel, and serve. I would love to hear your stories, and if you would like to share them with our chapter, please let me know. Karen and I served over 700 Y youth again this summer, volunteering for a week in Ocala, FL, at the YMCA Swimming Nationals.

I also had a wonderful experience at my High School's 50th Class Reunion, where I was privileged to volunteer alongside six of my High School classmates for just under two years, planning a weekend of Reunion activities for 125 classmates. We also raised nearly $16,000 to provide four graduating students from Upper Moreland High School with scholarship opportunities.

Our next chapter social gathering will be taking place Nov. 4 at the Colebrookdale Railroad in Boyertown. Karen and I look forward to another great gathering and to seeing many of our members on the ride and at the meal. See the story in this issue for more details.

Please plan to join us for our Holiday Luncheon and Auction on Thursday, Dec. 3. As always, this event promises to be a wonderful way to kick off our Holiday Season.

Thanks to Rich Curl, Larry Richardson, Susan Jacobs, John Monsted, and Craig Wolf for organizing the South Central part of our chapter get-together. I’ll bet they had a great time.

Finally, it is that time of year for Membership Reconnect (we used to call it renewal). I strongly encourage us all to stay involved and remain members of our strong, active chapter. Watch for a special "snail mail" packet in early November or just click the button below to Reconnect now.

As always, please contact me with questions or ideas.

Bob 

Bob McDowell, President,

Central Atlantic YMCA Alumni

IT WAS A 3-CHAPTER GATHERING

BEAUTIFUL CAPE COD IN THE FALL

Top L-R -- Beth Bartlett, Betty and John Eikrem, Len and Joyce Wilson, Karen and Bob McDowell, Barbara and Roy Taylor, Carl and Debbi Zvanut.

Bottom L-R: Karen McDowell, the "Vanna White" of our chapter, Bob McDowell (Second from Left), and his Y golf buddies on Cape Cod

Karen and Bob McDowell recently returned from Cape Cod, where they experienced a wonderful and impactful gathering of 51 YMCA Alumni members during the annual Three Chapter Retreat for the New England, McBurney-Morse, and Central Atlantic Chapters (11 from our chapter). 

The Agenda was meaningful and fulfilling, including reports/updates on the just-concluded YMCA National Service Project, where an on-site raffle raised over $1,000 to help furnish the staff quarters in the new small YMCA branch in La Plant, SD, called a “Twig”, that is expected to open next year.

Our own Debbi Zvanut provided an update on the International Service Corps (ISC) and the impactful work and opportunities underway. We also heard an update from Stacie Pough, the Cape Cod Y CEO, on the construction project in Falmouth for a new $40 million YMCA building.

Another topic was a wonderful mentoring/advisory program the New England Chapter developed that matches YMCA Alumni with current Y staff. This may be something our chapter could implement. 

Other topics included "Times are Changing" and "How the Y Travel Club Works," presented by Go Travel National Sales Director Bob Cook; "The Infinite Game of Life after the Y" and "Underwater Discoveries," presented by Dr. Dana Yoerger, retired senior scientist at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute.

Our final morning featured two AARP volunteers discussing Cybercrime. There was also plenty of time for fun, relaxation, exercise, and good food. A big thank you to Len Wilson for serving on the Planning Committee. Next year, the event will take place in Newport, Rhode Island, with the dates to be determined. 

NOVEMBER 4

A FALL CHAPTER EVENT: COLEBROOKDALE TRAIN

Our fall chapter event, riding the Colebrookdale Railroad (Autumn Splendor), will be held on Nov. 4 at 1410 S. Chestnut Street in Boyertown, PA. Plan to meet up at least 15 minutes before the noon departure.

The ride lasts 90 minutes and runs rain or shine. You will need to call them directly at (610) 367-0200 to pay. Be sure to mention that you are with the YMCA retiree group; they are holding seats for us. Senior coach class tickets are $30 per person.

The only food available to purchase on board is snack bags and cold drinks. Cathy suggests a substantial breakfast.

A CHAPTER GATHERING IN

SOUTH CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA

Photo L-R: David John (PA State Alliance), Larry Richardson (York), Craig Wolf (York), Roland Ruiz (Harrisburg), Rich and Michelle Curl (Harrisburg), Matt Leininger (Baltimore), Sharon and Brad Ilgenfritz (York), John and Ginger Monsted (Harrisburg).

An Organizing Committee of Rich Curl, Larry Richardson, Susan Jacobs, John Monsted, and Craig Wolf hosted YMCA Alumni from across South Central Pennsylvania on Oct. 8. They met for a fun social dinner at York, PA's Spruce on Blackbridge restaurant. Eleven YMCA Alumni and spouses enjoyed reconnecting at this first organized gathering in the area.

Larry Richardson spoke about our committee's efforts to bring together fellow Y retirees in our area, Rich Curl shared information about our Central Atlantic YMCA Alumni Chapter activities, and Matt Leininger shared his Y volunteer service abroad and out west on National YMCA Service Projects. Everyone had a great time, and we're looking forward to our next meeting.

CHRISTMAS LUNCHEON: We will gather Dec. 3 at Toscana 52 at 4603 Street Road, Feasterville, PA, to enjoy our Annual Christmas Luncheon. This year we will be in a larger room, which will facilitate the auction and fellowship. The event runs from Noon to 3 p.m. Len and Joyce Wilson will collect clothes for the homeless program at their church. Look for a registration flyer on a computer near you soon.

A REPORT FROM INTERNATIONAL SERVICE CORPS CHAIR TRACY MUCKEY

Deb Zvanut, our International Service Corps (ISC) Chapter Chair, is sharing a report from National ISC Chair Tracy Muckey. Check it out. Click the button below.

IT'S CHAPTER ELECTION TIME

We will vote for President for the 2027- 2029 term at our Christmas Luncheon. Len Wilson, as Past President, will chair the Nominating Committee and present a slate two weeks prior to the date. We will hold a brief business meeting before lunch, and members present will vote by voice to elect the President, with those present constituting a quorum.

WHERE IN THE WORLD ARE OUR MEMBERS?

WENDY FOX has been a busy woman this spring, summer, and fall. She took a trip from Bermuda to Canada in July with her daughter Lynn. As Grandmom extraordinaire, she was the Grandmother of the bride and two grooms. Granddaughter Johanna Helm was married in Greece. A wedding and a trip; some fun. Grandson Austin Helm was married in Florida in the spring, and finally, Grandson Tyson Bridge was just married in New Hampshire. So, Wendy had three weddings, three trips, and three -- count 'em -- three dresses… yay!

Len and Joyce Wilson in Canada are photobombed by a grandson

Although LEN AND JOYCE WILSON love their summer beach home on the Jersey Shore, 2026 seems to have been a summer of travel. In July, they drove to the bustling city of Toronto for the World Fellowship of YMCA Retirees (WFYR) and the YMCA World Council (among 1,400 active YMCA delegates worldwide). 

On both legs of the journey, they stayed with close friends on beautiful Wellesley Island, one of the Thousand Islands on the St. Lawrence River. It was delightful to renew contacts with colleagues from around the world and inspiring to be reminded of what the YMCA means to so many people. One highlight was Victoria Trovimova's presentation, director of the YMCA in Ukraine. 

In late August and early September, they took a journey back across the border to explore Montreal and Quebec with children and grandchildren. In October, they traveled to Cape Cod to share experiences with other YMCA Alumni from New England, New York, and our Central Atlantic Chapters. Lovely cool weather was a sad reminder that summer has ended, but it was also a welcome precursor to the season ahead.

The family trip offered relaxed time and exploration with family members who are often busy or far away. Ventures to Montreal's Old City, Notre Dame Cathedral, and a fortress in Quebec revealed our son’s knowledge of history, and the nearby magnificent waterfall filled our imaginations. But the charming coffee shops and a surprise birthday celebration for Len were no less meaningful.

In October, the weather in Cape Cod was glorious, and the beautiful sunsets over the ocean confused Joyce until a map showed that the cape’s intricate inlets actually allow beachfront sunsets on the East Coast. A ferryboat trip to Martha’s Vineyard featured an insider’s tour of the gingerbread cottages. The camp meeting grounds are a must-see if visiting the island. The Wilsons are grateful to our New England hosts for arranging a very memorable gathering.

DEB ZVANUT won a lot of ribbons at the Allentown Fair. An avid crafter, she submitted nine items to the fair's crafts category. She garnered nine ribbons: 5 first-place blue ribbons: small basketry (Nantucket), Medium basketry (Nantucket), Sailor's Valentine, 7" Redware plate (distelfink design), Redware Decorated egg. 3 second-place red ribbons: Large basketry - Skep on Antler, Fused Glass Wreath, Easter quilling ornament.1 third-place white ribbon: Fused Glass Bowl.

Meanwhile, CARL ZVANUT is a premier, enthusiastic cyclist, and you can find him riding in all kinds of weather. He is an active member of the Lehigh Valley Cycling Club, and he regularly participates in community cycling events that raise money for local charities. Carl participated in a ride for the Kutztown Food Pantry in August. He is currently riding for the Community Bike Works 2026 Mileage Challenge, which raises funds to provide education and bikes for kids in the Lehigh Valley. Carl also leads bike rides throughout the Valley, and participates in 50- to 100-mile rides in Virginia, Maryland, and New Jersey. Nothing like a Century Ride to work out the kinks!

Don't miss the next issue of Perspective e-zine. Four of our chapter members, Jude Gallaher, Deb Zvanut, Wendy Fox, and Joyce Wilson, have stories in the issue themed "Hobbies for Fun and Profit." The e-zine will arrive in your email on Nov. 15.

CHAPTER LEADERS

President: Bob McDowell

Co-Chair: Vacant

Vice President/Membership: Vacant

Vice President/Programs: Cathy Fromm

Secretary: Veronica Elias

Treasurer: Betteann Kramer

Clippings Editor: Jude Gallaher

EAF: Hank Van Zanten

ISC/World Service: Debbi Zvanut

Member-at-Large: Rich Curl

Member-at-Large: Alane McCahey

Past President: Len Wilson 

Click on name in red to send email

Clippings is produced for the Central Atlantic Chapter

by craig altschul + associates.

The mission of YMCA Alumni is "to enable members to promote a nurturing worldwide Christian Fellowship that provides educational, social, service and charitable opportunities."

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